Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has criticised the Indian Under-19 team’s aggressive celebrations following their dramatic one-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final, reminding the young cricketers that they represent not just their country but also their upbringing and values.Yousuf urged the youngsters to remain respectful and composed in both victory and defeat, saying that true sportsmanship is reflected in how players conduct themselves on the field, irrespective of the result.His remarks came after videos of India’s celebrations following Saturday’s thrilling final went viral on social media. Several Indian players, including Manal Chauhan, Mohit Ulva and Chigurupati Venkata, were seen making aggressive gestures towards their Pakistani counterparts. As tensions escalated on the field, members of India’s support staff had to intervene and pull the youngsters away to calm the situation.Taking to social media, Yousuf acknowledged India’s victory but used the occasion to deliver a message on sportsmanship and player conduct.“The #U19WorldCup has come to an end, and as usual, #India got the better of #Pakistan under pressure. It was a great learning platform for both teams and for players who have the potential to become future stars,” he wrote.
Mohammad Yousuf’s post
“One thing I would like to say is that when you play sports or compete at any level, you are not just representing your country. In fact, you are representing your upbringing, the values, and the ethics your parents taught you as a child. Therefore, always remain respectful and composed, whether in victory or defeat. True sportsmanship is reflected in the way you conduct yourself, regardless of the outcome. Role model legends #sachin & #Saeedanwar,” he added.The comments have added to the debate surrounding the conduct of the young Indian players after a final that witnessed high drama at both ends of the contest.India’s triumph was particularly remarkable given the position they found themselves in during the chase. Asked to chase 338, India were struggling at 252/8 in the 42nd over before Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva produced a remarkable fightback.The pair stitched together 57 runs for the ninth wicket, with Manal scoring 47 off 32 balls and Mohit remaining unbeaten on 49 off just 26 deliveries. Manal departed with India still requiring 36 runs and only one wicket in hand.Mohit then found support in No. 11 batter C Venkata, who scored an unbeaten 11 off eight balls. With eight runs needed in the final over, the equation came down to three off the last delivery. Mohit smashed leg-spinner Ahmed Hussain wide of long-off for a boundary to seal India’s 339/9 and a memorable one-wicket victory.Earlier, Pakistan had posted 337/9, riding on Usman Khan’s 107 and Abdul Qadir’s 80. Captain Farhan Yousaf also contributed 60, while Kavya Patel claimed four wickets for India.The victory helped India reclaim the Under-19 Asia Cup title, but the celebrations that followed have since become a talking point, with Yousuf joining those questioning the young players’ on-field behaviour.
